Broncos Hire Ex-Vikings Exec Paton As Elway’s GM Successor

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — John Elway’s replacement as Broncos general manager will be Vikings executive George Paton.

Elway announced the hiring Wednesday. Denver hasn’t reached the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 five years ago.

Paton spent the last 14 seasons with Minnesota, including the last six as vice president of player personnel and assistant general manager. He’s been one of the hottest names on the GM circuit in recent years.

Elway called Paton “a proven evaluator who knows every detail of leading football operations.”

Let’s get to work.

Welcome to #BroncosCountry, George Paton! pic.twitter.com/9u1RmqYzUB

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 13, 2021

Paton will report to Elway, who is keeping his role as president of football operations.

“He’s a composed, collaborative leader with a clear vision of building a championship team.”#Broncos Pres. & CEO Joe Ellis on our new GM George Paton: pic.twitter.com/yD9aEmSkci

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 13, 2021

Paton was one of five candidates the Broncos interviewed, including Patriots executive Dave Ziegler, who withdrew his name last weekend to stay in New England in an expanded role.

“I feel like this team is a sleeping giant. For me, it is the right place and the right time for this opportunity.”

Statement from our new GM George Paton: pic.twitter.com/qkyZnbPY3x

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 13, 2021

The other candidates to succeed Elway were Saints executive Terry Fontenot, Bears executive Champ Kelly, and in-house candidate Brian Stark, the Broncos’ college scouting director.

George Paton helped Minnesota acquire a league-high 13 Pro Bowlers during the last 10 NFL Drafts. 👊

🖐 things to know about our new GM » https://t.co/hKhE9yT4eQ pic.twitter.com/JooZwUtMlJ

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 13, 2021

Elway announced last week he was moving into more of an overseer role in 2021, with coach Vic Fangio and the new general manager reporting to him.

Paton will be in charge of the draft, free agency and roster, but Elway will have a say in the bigger decisions facing the franchise.

“As qualified a candidate for this position as you can imagine.”

Breaking down why George Paton’s the right pick: pic.twitter.com/IuxVLWIlP6

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 13, 2021

The Broncos search committee consisted of Elway, Fangio, team president Joe Ellis and chief communications officer Patrick Smyth.

The Broncos are coming off an injury-riddled 5-11 season and are mired in a four-year run of losing records, their worst stretch in the Super Bowl era.